Oak Bluffs

Ed and Linda BenDavid and their family have been busier than usual lately. Their daughter Lana came from her home in Bahama, N.C. to visit with them this past week. They had a great time, catching up on news and visiting with family members. Their youngest daughter Vickie and her daughter Heidi White drove to UMass over the weekend. They went to spend parent’s weekend with Heather, Vickie’s eldest daughter who is a freshman there. The scenery and weather was great and of course the sisters and their mother had plenty of news for each other.

For the first time in 50 years, Ed and Linda have made a somewhat reluctant decision not to host trick-or-treaters on Halloween night. Over the years, Vineyard Avenue has been transformed into a Halloween Wonderland as households in that area opened their homes and their hearts to all Halloween visitors from all over the Island. For the past few years, visitors have numbered well over 300, and now the BenDavids have decided to retire, so to speak. So you will not see their home ready for the usual visitors. I am sure they will miss everyone as much as you will miss stopping by their home.

The United Methodist Church of Martha’s Vineyard’s 40th Annual Harvest Supper, a full Thanksgiving meal, is this Saturday, Oct. 22. There are servings at 5 and 6:45 pm. The supper is at Stone Church in Vineyard Haven and for reservations call 508-693-1608 or 508-693-4424.

Ghosts, gossip, and downright scandal in Tisbury Village Cemetery will be revealed as Vineyard historian Liz Villard shares stories about many of the people buried at the Tisbury Village Cemetery (located off Center St. between William and Franklin Streets in Vineyard Haven). Come and discover the haunted history of Martha’s Vineyard during this scary season on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 3 pm. Reservations and tickets are required for this tour, which lasts for approximately 1.5 hours. Cider and refreshments will follow.

The Oak Bluffs Parks and Recreation Association, a nonprofit organization, will hold its annual meeting on Monday, Oct. 24 at 5 pm at the Oak Bluffs Senior Center. This Saturday, Oct. 22 from 9 am to 1 pm ACE MV is offering a workshop titled Understanding Workplace Dynamics to help individuals and groups improve relationships with employees, employers, colleagues, customers, and clients. Check the website for more details: acemv.org.

Reminder that Parent/Teacher Conferences days, which mean a 12 noon dismissal, take place on October 27 and November 1.

Of course our library will be celebrating Halloween with a party on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 10:30 am to 1 pm. Put on your costume and join in the fun: trick-or-treating, costume parade, crafts, movie, and refreshments. It’s for all ages and free.

Extra special birthday smiles to two great gals. Helen Scarborough celebrated her 86th birthday on September 13. She has three children and in her words, “huge amounts of grandkids,” most of whom live on the Island all year. She is vice president of the Oak Bluffs Senior Center and keeps on top of activities there. Helen says she is still kicking up her heels and is looking forward to a few more good years.

Christine Gaskill was the guest of honor at a party celebrating her 94th birthday on Oct. 14th. Guests included her grandsons Glen and Jon Gaskill, daughter-in-law Ellen Gaskill, niece Martha Luce, and Christine’s friend Irene Dugan. Ellen’s sister Liz Wilson helped with this wonderful family celebration. Congratulations ladies. You are an inspiration to all of us.

Birthday smiles to Judy Williamson on October 22, Liz Field on the 23rd followed by Chris Look III the next day. And Ann Baird is on the 25th.Enjoy your week.Peace.